ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has formed National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) to modernize the country’s judicial system.
The committee will led by the Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and comprising judges from High Courts and the Federal Shariat Court. The apex court judge Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar is also part of the committee.
The NJAC’s mandate is to develop a comprehensive national plan for innovating and technological advancement’s of the judicial system. The committee aims to introduce digital innovations, including the creation of a mobile app to streamline case procedures and enhance the delivery of justice.
The Supreme Court’s announcement highlights the committee’s focus on integrating artificial intelligence into the judicial system and conducting relevant research. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah emphasized the importance of embracing technological innovation in the judiciary, citing the global shift towards technology since the industrial revolution.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar expressed his belief that the digitization of the judicial sector marks the beginning of transformative change in the legal system. He is dedicated to improving digital capabilities and ensuring increased access to justice over time, emphasizing the commitment to a transparent and effective legal process for the country.
The Supreme Court declaration also acknowledges the past initiatives of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had established a resource center and a specific automation project during his tenure at the Lahore High Court, contributing to the development of a case flow management system. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar implemented measures to equip the Sindh High Court with information technology.
The NJAC operates as a sub-committee of the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee, with CJP as its Chairman, and its secretariat housed within the Law and Justice Commission. This move signifies a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s judicial system and ensuring a more efficient and technologically advanced legal framework.
